OBJECTIVE: Subjective effects of alcohol in alcoholics treated with
naltrexone or placebo were compared. METHOD: In a previously reported
double-blind clinical trial of 50 mg/day of naltrexone or placebo for
treatment of alcoholism, 36 of 70 detoxified male veterans deviated from
abstinence. Of these 36, 29 subsequently reported on the subjective effects
of drinking during the trial. RESULTS: A larger proportion of
naltrexone-treated subjects (seven of 12) than placebo- treated subjects
(two of 17) reported that the "high" produced by alcohol during the study
was significantly less than usual. The naltrexone-treated subjects also
drank less alcohol than the placebo- treated subjects during the first
drinking episode. There was no difference between groups in reported
intoxication, craving, memory, or loss of temper. CONCLUSIONS: The lower
alcohol consumption by the naltrexone-treated subjects may have resulted
from naltrexone's blockage of the pleasure produced by alcohol.Abstract Teaser